Former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan Returns to Pakistan After Detention by Israeli Forces

ISLAMABAD — Former Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was detained by Israeli forces after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza aboard a flotilla, safely returned to Pakistan on Thursday.

Mushtaq arrived at Islamabad airport on a Gulf Airlines flight from Bahrain, where he received a warm welcome from a large crowd carrying Palestinian flags. The Pakistan embassy in Jordan confirmed his safe departure for Pakistan late Wednesday night.

Mushtaq led the Pakistani delegation on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a 45-vessel convoy that set off from Spain last month carrying relief supplies for Gaza. The flotilla included activists and politicians, such as Greta Thunberg. However, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla near Gaza, detaining all activists on board.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar praised Jordan’s role in receiving the released detainees and facilitating their return home. He also expressed gratitude for Jordan’s assistance in ensuring Mushtaq’s safe arrival in Amman before his journey to Pakistan.

In a video posted on his social media account, Mushtaq described the harsh treatment he and other activists faced during detention, including being handcuffed, blindfolded, shackled, and subjected to torture. He revealed that they staged a three-day hunger strike to protest their conditions, during which they were denied air, water, medication, and the ability to lie down.

Mushtaq emphasized that the struggle against the Israeli blockade of Gaza continues despite their release.